Jacob Preschool -3's at St.Mark's Day School

 I cannot believe Jacob Brayden's 1st year of Preschool is over. He had a fantastic year. He loved it!  He had 14 kids in his class- ALL boys and 4 girls.  He has learned so much independence this year, he is a new kid...a bigger kid...a smarter kid...a more confident kid.  A kid that loves structure, learning, friendships, and responsibility.  He has learned so many things- educationally- he can count to 20- he can recite the ABCs and tell us what words start with what letters, he can spell his name, he is still working on writing his name, he can rhyme words, and discuss opposites, he can tell the "sequence" of things, and hold his pencil and scissors correctly, he loves mazes and puzzles, and has an obsession with books...all books!  He has done so many cool projects, sang so many songs, and has put on shows for Christmas and Mother's Day...enough to melt my heart forever.  He has learned to meet new friends, open up to different personalities, and listen to his teachers.  His favorite part of the days have been "playground time"- where the boys play "Super Heroes" and climb and run.  He loves snack time, and loves pretend time in the classroom- where he likes to pretend to cook, "protect" his girlfriend (Delaney), and wrestle with the boys.  He loves showing me all of his projects- many of which I have a hard time deciding which is my favorite because they all come from the heart...for Mother's Day, the kids presented the Moms with songs and then booklets that they made- Jacob's described mine as - "My mommy likes to clean, she likes salad, and loves to kiss me."  I'm not sure if that is all correct (the cleaning, that is)- but, it really has been a fantastic experience- a chance for me to share my son with the outside world, a chance for him to experience the world a couple hours a day 2x days a week on his own, and a chance for him to make his own decisions during those hours.  I was more emotional then he was on the last day of school.  His favorite teacher, Mrs. Kelly, is moving out of state and will not be returning...he absolutely loved her (and so did I).  We will miss her and look forward to another great year at school with new teachers, lots of the same friends and new- more challenging curriculum, increased hours, and 1 more day...Jacob Brayden is ready for the 4s!!!! (I think Mommy is:)

 Jacob and Delaney

 Jacob and Tanner

 Jacob and Jasper

 My Mother's Day flower

 Last Day of School~ Jake walking in from playground

Jacob and Mrs. Kelly

2011 in Review: Conclusion to a great year- Christmas/New Years

Merry Christmas 2011

We enjoyed a nice, calm Christmas this year. I must say, this was the 1st Christmas in years where I felt relaxed and content. The kids had a wonderful time.

Once again, way too many toys...but loving every moment of opening presents and eating goodies...tons of goodies!

We started the celebration off at Grandma Joey's and Pa's house- with all of our aunts, uncles, and cousins. This was also the 1st year where all the kids (besides Emme) were able to play together. They had lots of fun.

The next day, we celebrated Christmas Morning at our own home- enjoying a yummy Breakfast, presents from Santa, and then made our way to Church. After Church, Grandma Olivia, Tia Wendy, Tia Lorraine (and Baby Olivia), Grandma Joey, Pa, Cara, and David joined us for homemade Tamales- yum yum.

Favorite Presents:

Emerson Marie: HAPPY EARS!

December 22nd, Emerson received tubes in both of her ears due to numerous ear infections in the last 12-months. She was such a trooper. She was so calm and easy-going. She was our Little Brave Girl. Her ears are so happy, no more pain. Emerson also received a new kitchen set (for babies), blocks, her 1st Barbie Car, and some new books.

Jacob Brayden: Jacob received a new guitar, Shrek Pillow Pet, leggos (his favorite this year), hand-me-down Rescue Heros set (from cousin, Jack), doctor kits, and some new pajamas.

For New Years, we let Jacob stay up until 10 (Kid New Years), and we celebrated by ordering some food, had treats, noise makers, and a special countdown to 2012!!!

2011 in Review: Part V- Countdown to Christmas

This Christmas Season was so neat!!! We enjoyed decorating the tree (while the kids played in a make-shift "fort"- a little something to keep them busy while the work was underway), doing crafts (Jacob LOVED painting his Christmas ornaments and painting them the "appropriate" colors this year by following the pictures), Emerson met Santa for the 1st time this year, and well, she's not much of a fan. Jacob is still S's #1 fan. We enjoyed our 1st School Christmas Party. Jake LOVED getting dressed and making his way to school WITH his family (including Uncle Jared, Aunt Karen, and Alyssa) in the evening. He was able to "show" us his school, see his friends, "buy" gifts for his family, see Santa, and "win" a yummy dessert. It was lots of fun. Jacob was quite the partier this Season- he also had a classroom Christmas Party where he sang the loudest and enjoyed every minute of their Holiday Snack with his friends.

Tis the Season to be Merry!

2011 in Review: Part IV- A Visit with OLD Friends

"Our Boys" 2011

We are lucky to visit once a year with the 3 of us Gals- Audra, Brigid, and myself and our families. This year, while the Samoles (Brigid and family) were in town visiting, I hosted a "Black Friday" Dinner with us, the kids, AND our parents....It was so nice to have a wonderful dinner and share our time with people we have known, loved, and grown up with for over 25 years...and it was 3 generations: our parents (Morkes', Cechs) , us (Rojas', Samoles, Powers), and the kids (The boys and Emerson plus Baby Samole, Baby Powers ---due in 2012). It was great to see everyone. I have 1 picture of "Our Boys" Jacob (3), Chase (2), Gavin (1).

2011 in Review: Part III- Thanksgiving

We have been very Thankful this year. All 4 of us have been blessed with family, friends, health, and wonderful moments. We had a fantastic Thanksgiving- 2011 was The Morkes side. All the Grandkids really enjoyed eachother's company this year. "The Boys" (Jacob and Mason) loved matching eachother in their Santa Hats. "The Girls" (Alyssa and Emerson) loved looking pretty in their dresses and Alyssa LOVES to keep up with "the boys" (next year, Emme will be too and NEW Baby Jaynes will be watching). It was so much fun watching our Little Ones.Morkes Christmas Photo Shoot (1 week before Thanksgiving)

Sleepy Baby while Pa carries her out to the car after a fun-filled "Turkey Day"

The 3 Amigos
Loving his dessert...mmmmmmm
Mason Dee
Alyssa Jane
Jacob Brayden
Emerson Marie

2011 in Review: Part II- Life's Little Moments

Visiting Daddy and Pa at the office
Emerson Checking out a Lobster...wondering if she should take a bite.
1st Sibling Bath
Sleeping Baby
Jake and Daddy being silly
Jacob's 1st real phone call with a friend (talking with Neve)
Busy Day.
Baby's 1st Halloween
Exploring the kitchen
Busy Day
Poor Little Boy. "Neb" (nebulizer- breathing treatment)- our little medicated tool for the winter months after bouts of bronchitis and pneumonia
Jacob playing "doctor"- he is having a conversation with his patient (mommy)- asking what "symptoms" I've been having..."does your head hurt?" "have you been eating?" "Let me take a look at your ears." and then he would answer it by saying..."okay...hmmmm..."
1st Day of Preschool
Little Miss Explorer...in the kitchen cabinets...again.

Stinker Face~